Pose For Me | K.TH

11

AILA

It was the night before finals.

I'd been sitting by my desk since the beginning of the day, trying to focus on the notes open in front of me. But it had been so difficult with my thoughts roaming everywhere, and I'd even moved to the library to change the scenery up a bit.

It hadn't helped that much.

But it still makes me smile when I finish writing a letter to my mom, letting her know that I'd taken a job and that I could pay for myself from now on. That I'd be going to France.

The letter would arrive to her after I'd get there.

I knew that if I'd sent it to her any earlier, she would've worried. I'd be on a plane to Paris, after all.

I just had to do well tomorrow, and it would all be over.

It's nearly eleven in the night when I shift my backpack over my shoulder and shuffle out the library. I'd finally stopped after finding myself fast asleep on my book.

But even when it's so late, the streets are bright.

Taehyung.

My face falls. Even though Jimin had told me not to worry, I could still remember his displeased expression back at the café.

I didn't regret trying, but it just felt...

"Aila!"

My eyes widen when I turn around at the voice.

Bomi?

She smiles as she comes up to me, waving her hand. I notice a couple of other people behind her— people that I hadn't seen around in my university.

They looked older.

Scarier. Some of the guys had tattoos, and nearly all of them had cigarettes between their lips. They were also dressed in leather jackets and revealing clothes that I would never dare to wear out in public.

I can't speak for a second, from all the intimidation.

"Hi." She says, turning to her friends with an arm around my shoulder. "See, guys? Told you that I knew her— she's friends with me."

Stop.

You aren't my friend.

But I can't get the words out of my mouth. I can't tell her to get her hand off of my shoulder— I can't.

I just force a smile, hoping that this would all be over soon.

The scary people come closer.

"You are pretty." One of the guys drawl, raising a pierced brow at my baggy clothes. "What's under there, huh? If you're really a model for V, shouldn't you be wearing clothes from there?"

I freeze, eyes flickering to Bomi.

She'd told them?

Of course. There was no other reason that she'd act so friendly with me, after spreading rumors like that.

"Um, I'm just coming back from the library." I murmur, arching my shoulders a little. "I think I need to get home soo—"

"Oh no!" A girl laughs, hair dyed a bright pink and yellow. "You're coming with us for a drink. I need to hear more about Kim Taehyung if you really work with him. Come!"

No, no, no.

I speak up one more time, voice turning smaller and smaller.

"T-Thanks, but I really need to go sleep for..."